Hurricanes could deal with deep scoring with these 2 trade gifts – Hockey Writers – Carolina Hurricanes

As we approach the 2025 calendar year, NHL teams are always looking to rethink their plans. From depth players to even franchise-shaking deals, there are always trades to be made. As for the Carolina Hurricanes, while 20-10-1 after 31 games, they are always asking about players and making reasonable moves in the short and long term. Even if the roster is somewhat set now, it doesn't mean they won't make a trade before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, or they can wait until that day on March 7. Either way, there's always room to add more. players in areas of need or add overall depth.

That being said, which two players around the NHL could the Hurricanes trade?

Two Trading Options

Ryan Donato

One that comes to mind is Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato. The 28-year-old from Boston, MA, is in the final year of his two-year, average annual value (AAV) contract of $2 million. In 30 games with the Blackhawks, he has 11 goals and 18 points (ranked third on the team) with a .60 points per game average. His goal percentage (GF%) is 50% and his Corsi percentage (CF%) is 46.70% while averaging just under 13 minutes of ice time at even strength. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the summer of 2025. For the Hurricanes, it might make sense to add him as a depth option for the center core or even as a winger if needed. Donato was slotted into the starting right wing spot with Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno for the struggling Blackhawks with an 11-19-2 record.

Despite winning two straight games, they are 12 points behind the Colorado Avalanche in the playoffs and 14 behind the Dallas Stars in third place in the Central Division. It's the season and it's over for the Chicago team. If that's the case, it could be a win-win situation for Donato to face his opponent the way he plays and be a goal scorer for the Hurricanes, who have been known for scoring goals throughout their program. In addition, Carolina has $1.57 million in cap space and if they cut a player, perhaps Riley Stillman would free up enough cap space for Donato's $2 million to fit their remaining cap space.

Related: Dear Santa: Carolina Hurricanes Wish List for 2024-25

Donato could slide anywhere on the Hurricanes' roster and be a solid 2C if they think he can be a bit better than Jesperi Kotkaniemi, or even at the 4C spot if they want to have Tyson Jost as a healthy scratch option. If they don't need him in the middle, he can slot into the wing player position on both sides of the ice. Either way, Donato would be someone Rod Brind'Amour could put anywhere on the roster, especially for a guy with 11 goals in 30 games on a struggling Blackhawks team. What would the trade look like? It wouldn't be surprising if the return is a 2025 draft pick returning to Chicago for the rest of the money as Donato's deal expires.

It's possible that a 2023 third-round pick would be enough for Donato's short-term trade and the possibility of an extension next summer for the Hurricanes. Carolina has two 2025 third-round picks and giving up one for depth wouldn't be a bad option overall. And the contract they get is more than manageable.

Adam Gaudette

Another option, possibly less likely but still someone to look into, is Ottawa Senators forward Adam Gaudette. The Braintree, MA native will be a UFA after the 2024-25 season in which he has tallied 13 goals and 17 points in 30 games. That gives him a .57 points per game average while playing just under 10 minutes of even-strength ice time. His GF% is 62.50 and CF% is 53.50. For someone making $775,000 on a one-year deal, that's a lot of money for your stuff from Gaudette.

What makes Gaudette's move impossible is that the Senators sit with a 16-13-2 record and are on a four-game winning streak. Furthermore, they sit three points behind the Boston Bruins in third place in the Atlantic Division with three games in hand. He has been their top scorer from deep, hence the 13 goals while playing on the second right wing despite averaging less than 10 minutes of 5v5 play. While he makes the most of his opportunities on the ice, he could be someone who should see more ice time.

Related: Hurricanes' Pyotr Kochetkov Shuts Out Islanders 4-0

The 28-year-old could play either side for the Hurricanes regardless of where he is on the roster. He will be a valuable asset to Brind'Amour's team with Jackson Blake, Jack Roslovic, Eric Robinson, and others who use deep intelligence. However, the extra cap space gives Carolina the flexibility to add more to their roster and get some deep scoring from Gaudette's touch that could see a bump in ice time. Like the Donato trade, maybe some draft money could go to the Senators because Gaudette will be a UFA and his upside is minimal. However, where the Senators are now, they may be reluctant to move on from what he brings to their roster. But never say never when it comes to getting the right deal.

Advanced Add-on Options

While both players are good options, a move for Donato would be easy to pull off based on how the season is going for the Blackhawks. They are further out of the playoffs than the Senators even if his $2 million AAV is higher than Gaudette's $775,000. Both of these guys will be UFAs at the age of 28, but they could bring scoring depth and a lot of versatility to the Hurricanes if they choose to add to their forward core.

It will be interesting to see what general manager Eric Tulsky will do as we are a few months away from the trade deadline on March 7, 2025. Either way, keep an eye out for the Hurricanes to be buyers when the time comes. is moving to solidify a plan for the 2025 NHL Playoffs.